Gentlemen Are Born (Warner Bros.) (1934)

To the several distinguished films which we have based upon the drama of the present generation, is added this vivid story of youth ‘just out of college.’ e e In every phase of iis production from casting to cutting room, infinite care was exercised to maintain that quality which brings ‘bigness’ to a motion picture. That we have succeeded we believe is evidenced by these two reviews, written by two of the trade's better publications after the initial preview in Hollywood. % {> Gentlemen Are Born Containing all elements necessary for top-notch entertainment, ‘Gentlemen Are Born’ should prove excellent box office bait. It’s one of those pictures that will build on word-of-mouth advertising and few people will see it who won't turn boosters. Picture is an indictment against an educational system that spews young men out of college filled with academic hooey that makes them believe the world is their oyster to be opened and consumed as they see fit, only to realize later that the man who first ate an oyster was indeed brave. Franchot Tone, Ross Alexander, Robert Light and Nick Foran are the quartette of graduates who go out to conquer the universe. Tone has never been better than in this picture. He hits his stride, romps through the picture in fine style. Direction is mainly responsible for this player finding himself on the screen at last. Foran comes near copping the picture. His is a sympathetic role which lends itself to his personality. Alexander, at times a bit stagey, gives promise of a screen VARIETY DAILY personality that should be a standout. Light gives a fine interpretation of the lad who believes his father the essence of all that is good. Casting of the last three, all more or less unknown was.a nervy job. Whoever is responsible deserves credit. Margaret Lindsay, who is in love with Tone, Jean Muir, who marries Alexander, and Ann Dvorak, Foran’s wife, are excellent in their assignments; but the girls suffer through the story being one of four boys. However, their parts build the yarn, make possible its smooth running continuity. Alfred Green doesn’t miss a directorial trick in threading his story. Sympathetic with his characters he has woven a picture that holds from start to finish. Writing of Solow and Johnson is excellent. They never allow the story to become too morbid, manage to slide to a happier sequence whenever the tale starts to become too heavy. Editing is a good job, though film could stand smoothing in several spots. Photography is very good. A college song, while not in the popular class, adds greatly to the atmosphere of the picture. Motion Picture Daily Variety Daily “Gentlemen Are Born” Hottywoop, Oct. 12.—Depicting with biting irony the front page idea of college graduates embarking on life only to find an unwelcome reception, a fine, faithful drama has been produced and spun with emotional romance. While the subject matter is one that faint hearts may turn from, so human is the picture, so aglow with sympathy that its message becomes vividly convincing. Four college boys graduate amid song. Franchot Tone will be a reporter and an editor. Football Player Nick Foran will be an athletic coach. Ross Alexander will be an architect and Robert Light a broker. Business treats them coldly and jobs are hard to find. Tragedy, heartbreak, unemployment and all the economic vicissitudes assail the quartet. Through it all the sustaining power of romance and love keeps them going. The entire production is suffused with an aura of metallic harshness blended with tender warmth. In every department, the film excels. Tone gives exciting interpretation to his role. Margaret Lindsay seems definitely headed for stardom here. Alexander should go places and Foran reveals hidden ability. Jean Muir and Ann Dvorak give understanding insights as the girls who inspire their sweethearts. Al Green’s direction is penetrating and worldly, yet mooded to sock the heart. It is a fine achievement. As an indictment of economic life that inflates youth with collegiate ideas only to deflate it by unplanned conditions, this picture will have a direct appeal to all classes. It merits intelligent exploitation and given that, with word-of-mouth should result in real business and comeback patronage. Production code seal, No. 253. Running time, 76 minutes. “@ y e, Ce. MOTION PICTURE DAILY